News Summary
Phoenix faced significant disruptions due to severe monsoon storms, resulting in heavy rainfall, flooding, and flight cancellations. The National Weather Service recorded high rainfall levels, leading to temporary flooding on highways and airport delays. Events like the Arizona State Fair were canceled, while public safety officials warned of ongoing weather threats and flash flooding risks. Residents experienced hazardous conditions, and meteorologists predict continued storm activity over the weekend.
Severe Monsoon Storms Disrupt Activities and Travel in Phoenix
Phoenix experienced significant weather disruptions on Friday, September 26, 2025, as severe monsoon thunderstorms swept across the area, causing widespread impacts on transportation, events, and daily activities. The storm brought heavy rainfall, hail, lightning, and flooding, leading to cancellations, delays, and safety concerns throughout the city and surrounding regions.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Affect Daily Life
By early morning, intense thunderstorms were reported across the metropolitan area, with the National Weather Service recording over 1.11 inches of rain at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport by 1:55 p.m. This rainfall amount exceeded the typical total monsoon season precipitation, which is crucial as the season ends on September 30. The total season-to-date rainfall had reached 2.02 inches just days before closure, highlighting the intensity of the storm.
Rainfall amounts varied throughout the metro, with some areas like Fountain Hills receiving over 2 inches of rain, while parts of the East Valley experienced less than a tenth of an inch. The heavy rain led to partial flooding on freeways, and first responders were involved in multiple water rescues. Despite the flooding incidents, no significant damages or injuries were reported as of the initial assessment.
Travel Disruptions and Airport Delays
Major transportation hubs faced notable disruptions, with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport experiencing substantial flight delays and cancellations due to the storm and associated safety precautions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued *ground stops* at both Phoenix and Las Vegas airports, halting departures and arrivals temporarily, which contributed to widespread travel delays.
Highway systems were affected as well, with some freeways experiencing partial flooding, causing dangerous driving conditions and initial closures in certain areas. Motorists were advised to exercise caution and anticipate delays when commuting in the region.
Event Cancellations and Changes
The severe weather prompted the closure of the Arizona State Fair for the day, with organizers offering free admission tickets valid for any day through October 26 as compensation. The fair’s cancellation was primarily due to the heavy monsoon rain and safety concerns.
Similarly, a high school football game scheduled between ALA West Foothills and Arcadia High School was canceled around 3:30 p.m. as lightning and heavy rain made it unsafe to continue. However, dozens of other high school football games set for 7 p.m. proceeded as planned.
At the collegiate level, Arizona State University’s football team was scheduled to play TCU on national television at 6 p.m., but events such as the Sparky’s Tailgate were canceled due to weather conditions.
Storm Characteristics and Weather Warnings
The storms featured large hailstones ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches and intense lightning activity across the Valley. The National Weather Service maintained a flood watch until 11 p.m., citing the risk of flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
High temperatures remained below normal, with forecast models predicting around 90 degrees Fahrenheit through the weekend. The storms resulted from a robust low-pressure system located off the Southern California coast, triggering widespread thunderstorm activity in the region.
Public Safety and Future Weather Expectations
Throughout the day, emergency responders engaged in multiple water rescues, emphasizing the ongoing flash flood threat. Meteorologists warned residents of the potential for quickly developing flash floods, urging the public to avoid dangerous road conditions and stay alert. Heavy rain was expected to continue into the evening hours, with additional showers and thunderstorms possible overnight, raising concerns about further flooding or travel delays.
Forecasts indicated that rain and storm chances would persist over the weekend, making weather conditions unpredictable and potentially hazardous for outdoor activities. The heavy monsoon event marked an unusual weather occurrence for the region, with many residents experiencing over 1 inch of rain in a short period early in the day, an uncommon event for late September in Phoenix.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Arizona Central: Rain Chances Increase in Phoenix
- AZ Family: Friday Night Events Impacted by Monsoon Storm
- Fox Weather: Arizona and Nevada Weather Alert
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Arizona Weather Forecast
- KTAR: Thunderstorms and Flooding in Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- Google Search: Phoenix Weather
- Google Scholar: Phoenix Flooding September 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flash Flood
- Google News: Phoenix Monsoon Storm
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
